TEST: Kali Audio LP-6 / LP-8

Times have changed. It's hard to shake the impression that a new pair of near-field studio monitors in the lower and lowest price segments comes onto the market seemingly once a week. This is certainly understandable, since only a small handful of independent producers and sound engineers can still make a living from the income of a recording studio these days, and the vast majority are hobbyists who, for economic reasons, are not prepared to spend four-figure amounts or more per speaker on their hobby. Another representative of the low-budget equipment manufacturers is the American company Kali Audio, which with its two Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8 monitor pairs thanks to Chinese manufacturing for great recognition in terms of price / performance provide.

The construction of the Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8

Both the LP-6 product and the larger LP-8 model feature several identical components. For monitors of this price level (retail price LP-6 = 179, - Euro, retail price LP-8 = 299, - Euro), it is now common practice not to initiate a complete new construction per product, but rather to carry out the increase depending on the performance class. Thus, the two 2-way designs have the same tweeter in the form of a 1-inch silk dome driver with 40 watts of power along with identical waveguides.

According to the designations, the LP-6 version uses a 6 inch woofer with 40 watts, and the LP-8 version uses an 8 inch woofer with 60 watts. Further differences are as follows (manufacturer's information):

LP-8                                                                    LP-6

Crossover frequency 1.8 kHz                           1.5 kHz
cutoff frequency bass 45 Hz                             47 Hz
maximum SPL 114 dB                                     112 dB
Dimensions 419 mm x 254 mm x 280 mm     359 mm x 222 mm x 260 mm
Weight 9 Kg                                                     7 Kg


Both versions come with two power cables, one with a Schuko plug and one with the so-called Commonwealth plug, which is used in the UK, for example. In addition, the boxes can be rudimentarily decoupled from their floor space via 4 enclosed, adhesive rubber pads.

The back of the Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8

In contrast to many other near field monitor suppliers, not only those of the low budget department, the Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8 has a total of 3 different input jacks, which cover with XLR (+4 dBu input sensitivity), TRS (+4 dBu input sensitivity) and RCA (-10 dBu input sensitivity) all common, analog input sources. A total of 9 DIP switches can also be used to make very extensive room adjustments, which visually assist the inexperienced beginner in small pictures. DIP switch number 10 activates the RCA socket, which is deactivated in the delivery state for reasons of secondary equipment. The following presets can be activated:

1) Positioning loudspeaker on speaker stand, distance loudspeaker at least 50 cm from the nearest wall.
2) Positioning loudspeaker on speaker stand, distance loudspeaker less than 50 cm from the nearest wall
3) Positioning loudspeaker on speaker stand, positioning loudspeaker directly on the wall
4.) Positioning loudspeaker directly on the meter bridge
5.) Positioning loudspeakers on the desk with at least 50 cm distance from the nearest wall
6.) Positioning loudspeakers on the desk with less than 50 cm distance from the nearest wall

7) Positioning loudspeakers on the desk directly against the wall
8) Positioning loudspeakers by means of a wall bracket

The extensive adjustments make sense, because in home recording you rarely have acoustically optimized rooms and you almost never have enough space for optimized speaker placement. Furthermore, you can activate a -/+ 2 dB bass or treble boost/cut as a shelving filter via DIP combinations depending on your personal taste. A volume control with 0 dB rastering can be set from - infinite to +6 dB. Unfortunately, the rastering only refers to the 0 dB setting, the volume balance of the two monitors below and above the mark must unfortunately be done by ear. Otherwise, cold plug, On / Off switch, done.

The front of the Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8

On the front side, in addition to the visually appealing concept, especially the comparatively large bass reflex port catches the eye. A look inside reveals no damping material, but also shows the overall very clean processing of the product. The status LED lights up blue during startup and orange in standby mode.


The Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8 in practice

Unfortunately, there was an unexpected problem at the beginning of the test. The speakers switched to standby mode (orange LED) after about 20 minutes without signal input, which is quite positive. However, they didn't want to leave the standby mode, no matter how strong a signal I sent to the speakers. It must be said that this took place in my broadcast studio, where the level is controlled via the keyboard. Even the maximum level via the keyboard control sounds did not bring them back from sleep, so I had no choice but to disable the monitors and restart again. I repeated the procedure with maximum level on all controller points and bass-heavy music, which finally allowed the system to wake up.

I could not find out if this was a factory defect in the version delivered only for Europe or if this circuit was intentionally designed to be so coarse in sensitivity. The fact is, should this circuit be designed on purpose, the boxes are at least for users like me factually unusable in practice, sorry. The manufacturer should definitely order a review here, especially since competitor products are much more sensitive in this test area.

What is already noticeable after the first notes is the radiation behavior with regard to the wave guide. The stereo triangle is much wider than in other representatives of this performance class and leaves a good impression. However, the depth gradation suffers a bit from this design. However, everyone has to find out for themselves what is more important to them. The impulse response is very good for this price range, so everything is fine? Well, not quite.

Sonically, one is then confronted very quickly with the retail price of the product. Not that the monitors really sound bad, but both products lack in several points. The bass is tight, but without the necessary warmth and definition. With synthetic music, this basic sound can still be compensated well, but with natural instruments, this flaw quickly becomes obvious. As expected, the frequencies below 70 Hz are only cut, and a subwoofer must always be used for a more defined reproduction.

However, the Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8 can score well in the low-mid range. Below the crossover frequency, the woofer does a good job by producing a comparably good and balanced sound. The impulse fidelity is also decent. As I said, low-budget, everything is good so far.

What I don't like at all, however, is the high-mid reproduction, especially when it comes to vocal frequencies. Even in reference productions, the range comes across comparatively "squawky", subtleties in miking and the like are unfortunately not adequately captured. Even high-gain guitars sound very "occupied" in the midrange and treble, detached from any freshness, which is not only rather unfavorable in terms of sound, but also leads to a quick fatigue of the hearing. In general, the Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8 lacks character as soon as we are dealing with natural instruments. The high-frequency reproduction also lacks a bit of sparkle. The basic sound remains comparatively dull even with activated tweeter shelving, one is inclined to say appropriate for the retail price.

In terms of volume, both products are convincing for the given values, although you should be careful with the power limit. If you approach the maximum level, the sound suddenly turns into an undefined sound mush, which should be avoided at all costs.

Conclusion

With the two Kali Audio LP-6_LP-8 the American manufacturer places two more products in the already richly covered low-budget table of nearfield monitors. Especially the LP-6 version provides with a box price of well under 200 euros for interested faces in the home recording field. Although the sound of the speakers is rather average and various details such as the impractical low power circuit raises a big question mark, you get a very flexible adjustable monitor, which should find its buyers as a second or third solution.

Additional informations:

Kali Audio is a renowned company at the forefront of the professional audio industry, dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-quality studio monitors and other audio equipment. Since its establishment in 2018, Kali Audio has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to innovation, exceptional sound quality, and affordability. This comprehensive report delves into the various aspects of Kali Audio, including its history, product range, technological advancements, customer satisfaction, and future prospects.

Company Background Kali Audio was founded in 2018 by a team of passionate audio engineers and industry professionals who identified a need for high-quality studio monitors that were accessible to a wider audience. Headquartered in Southern California, USA, the company has rapidly grown in size and reputation, thanks to its dedication to producing reliable and exceptional audio products.

Product Range Kali Audio offers a diverse range of products tailored to meet the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike. The company specializes in studio monitors, which are crucial tools for audio engineers, producers, and musicians. Kali Audio's studio monitors are known for their accuracy, transparency, and versatility. They come in various sizes and configurations, allowing users to choose the model that best suits their specific needs and room requirements.
In addition to studio monitors, Kali Audio also manufactures other audio equipment, including subwoofers, headphones, and amplifiers. These products adhere to the same high-quality standards that Kali Audio is known for, ensuring an exceptional audio experience across the entire product line.

Technological Advancements Kali Audio stands out in the industry due to its relentless pursuit of technological advancements. The company employs cutting-edge engineering techniques, innovative designs, and state-of-the-art components to develop products that push the boundaries of audio quality. One notable example of this is the use of advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology in their studio monitors, which allows for precise control over the sound characteristics and ensures accurate reproduction across different listening environments.
Furthermore, Kali Audio leverages extensive research and development efforts to continuously improve their products. They actively seek feedback from users and industry professionals, incorporating valuable insights to refine their designs and deliver superior audio solutions.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to Kali Audio. The company prioritizes delivering outstanding products that exceed customer expectations. They strive to create a seamless user experience by offering user-friendly interfaces, clear documentation, and prompt customer support. Kali Audio's commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their extensive warranty policies and hassle-free return processes.
Moreover, Kali Audio actively engages with its customers through various channels, including online communities, social media platforms, and industry events. This open and transparent communication allows the company to gather feedback, address concerns, and foster a strong community of audio enthusiasts.

Industry Recognition and Awards Kali Audio's dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed within the professional audio industry. The company has received numerous accolades and awards for its innovative products and commitment to quality. These accolades serve as a testament to Kali Audio's relentless pursuit of audio perfection and further reinforce their position as an industry leader.

Future Outlook With its solid foundation and innovative approach, Kali Audio is poised for a promising future. The company continues to expand its product line, exploring new avenues to cater to evolving customer needs. Their commitment to technological advancement and customer satisfaction positions them favorably to maintain their market presence and capture new opportunities in the audio industry.

Furthermore, Kali Audio's emphasis on affordability and accessibility has made high-quality audio equipment more attainable for aspiring musicians, home studio owners, and audio enthusiasts. This focus on inclusivity allows the company to reach a wider audience and drive the democratization of professional audio.

Conclusion Kali Audio has established itself as a leading player in the professional audio industry by combining innovation, exceptional sound quality, and affordability. With a diverse product range, technological advancements, unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, and a promising future outlook, Kali Audio continues to push the boundaries of audio excellence. As the company expands its offerings and reaches new heights, it solidifies its position as a trusted and respected brand in the world of pro audio.